Freedom Cannot Be Celebrated Until We #FreeThemAll

No Freedom Until We #FreeThemAllFestival & Rally to abolish ice going to take place this fourth of July at the GEO detention facility, 3130 Oakland Street in Aurora, CO. That is, until two long-term campers contracted COVID-19.

The event would have featured markets, music, and live performances from Denver local musicians Los Mocochetes. At least 15 percent of all profits would have gone to the Abolish ICE Denver and Santuary4AllColorado. The event was going to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and was to be hosted by doctors for Camp Closure, Extinction Rebellion Denver, and Sanctuary4AllColorado. The event is now rescheduled for July 18.

“Just keeping this camp up and running is a lot of work” said media liaison Isa Villalon. They have endured rainstorms, mosquitos, and counter protesters dangerously driving through vigils that have spanned over the last 41 days. Families of detained individuals and protesters have camped outside the GEO detention facility and hold signs that read “Free Pablo” and “Free Kelly” all throughout the camp. Individuals are consistently taking people’s temperatures and adding a piece of visible read tape to their clothing to signify they are clear. People attending the event spread out their arms for safe distance “helicopters.”

Last night was vigil 45, and news of their community members extracting COVID-19 lead to the cancelation of the July 4 event.

An open mic tradition takes place every night as individuals share their stories in a socially distanced circle. “We call these love and rage stories. There’s not a lot of love in these stories, but there’s a whole lot of rage,” Isa Villalon says. Newcomers that came to the vigil were welcomed with friendly hellos and air-hugs.

“Any amount of time people can give does make a difference,” says Isa Villalon.

As the event came to a close, and the stars of the evening sky began to emerge, the members of Abolish ICE sang together, “Tear, tear down these walls. There is no freedom. without freedom for all.”